In December of 2022, a unique opportunity arose that would ultimately shape the design of the Rowe. An exclusive invitation from Nissan Motor Company's World Headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, brought me and a cadre of international designers together for a private viewing of upcoming models, concept cars, and interior designs. Tasked with providing feedback to Nissan’s Senior VP of Global Design, Alfonso Albaisa, and his team, the experience was more than just a professional exchange—it was a journey back to a country that has long influenced my creative sensibilities. This was not my first visit to Japan. Since early in my career working for Adidas and later with Puma, I traveled to the country renowned for its high design and sometimes avant-garde sensibilities.

While Japan is often a source of direct inspiration for many, for me, it is a place that fosters a deeper kind of design energy. It’s not about seeking out a specific idea, but about being overcome by the sheer intention and attention to detail that permeates Japanese design. There is a truth and poetry in the work that resonates deeply, and I always leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

Although I wasn't actively designing during the six months following the trip, the experience was simmering in my mind. The design intentions were clear and waiting to be realized. When the brief finally arrived to design two new World Shoe models, my direction was immediately apparent. I knew I wanted to create a clog-like silhouette, but one that broke away from the classic, open-backed design in favor of a modern interpretation. This became my design recipe: classic form meets modern perspective. The working name for this concept was "slog"—part shoe, part clog.

Beyond the silhouette, the Rowe was born from a desire to bring a new concept to the molded shoe world: "updressing." This was a direct counter to the casual trend brought on by the pandemic, where comfort took precedence over style. While I understood the appeal of molded shoes for their comfort and security, I was driven to elevate their fashion presence. The Rowe was designed to be not only extremely comfortable but also equally stylish, proving that a shoe can be both a retreat for the feet and a statement piece. It was a mission accomplished when we styled the Rowe with a tuxedo for a photoshoot, a look that perfectly captured its unexpected versatility. The Rowe is a testament to the idea that true comfort and high style can exist in perfect harmony.